Shine On - an Early Childhood Education Podcast

Alex and Sophie are in conversation with Susan Glencross, an educational and developmental psychologist at Strathmore Kids, which is a private practice that she runs with her partner Lauren. Susan grew up in the rural area of Darwin and completed her undergraduate studies there, but ended up in Melbourne pursuing her postgraduate training at the University of Melbourne.Susan came to the early childhood years as a new graduate, when she picked up a role as a therapist in an early intervention program working specifically with autistic preschoolers and their families. Susan loved seeing the progress a child could make in their learning across just a year, but more than that she absolutely loved the joy of play - what a job!Susan worked first as a therapist and then moved up to consulting with families, early educators and schools. The experience she gained in this field was so formative, and it was from that point on that Susan was drawn to working within the early childhood space. In recent years Susan has worked as a consultant under the School Readiness Funding model, which has given her the chance to collaborate with educators across the Loddon-Campaspe region - a region close to her heart as she has extensive family connections across north-central Victoria and spend many a weekend birdwatching across the beautiful landscape!The SRF program has given Susan an opportunity to learn even more about the delight and challenges of growing a kindergarten community and getting our children ready, willing and able to start school. Susan believes it is a privilege to be part of so many children’s journeys (through their educators), and continues to be passionate about enhancing the joys and opportunities of childhood for every child in our care.

Sophie and Crystal are in conversation with Georgina Goddard. Georgie is a teacher, Nominated Supervisor and Educational Leader at Marong Kindergarten.  Before becoming an early childhood teacher, Georgie worked within the disability field for 14 years. From a young age she was lucky enough to experience advocating for, working alongside, and communicating with a large variety of children, teenagers, adults and families with varied needs and abilities. Those years of experiences and adventures, along with her passion for early childhood education, sparked her drive for creating an inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all children and families.

Sophie is on the other side of the microphone in this episode, as Crystal interviews Sophie and kindergarten teacher Milly Ruff about a style of planning and programming. This is an emergent planning style that Sophie developed and has since been implemented at multiple early childhood education services. It has been tried and tested, with the tick of approval from children, educators AND the Department of Education. Listen in to find out more! Example of Learning Wall format:https://lmpa-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/sophie_hay_shinebright_org_au/EclzFZzFdHBEtKzDa9zYoJwB16ryJwl5o9tNYwTekyBshw?e=k9uBam 

Alex, Crystal and Sophie discuss a hot topic in early childhood education - assessment and rating!  They share Shine Bright EYM's proven process for supporting early childhood services through assessment and rating, which has led to amazing A&R results. 

Alex and Sophie are in conversation with Nicole Lees. Nicole  is a consultant for Be You with Early Childhood Australia. Nicole’s background includes educator and leadership roles, consultancy and research. She spent several years working in the education sector in Japan and South Korea. Nicole’s experience in early childhood education across three different countries highlighted the significance of a sense of wellbeing. To follow this interest, Nicole undertook a Master of Childhood and Youth Studies, focusing on early childhood wellbeing and spirituality. This conversation includes educator wellbeing, child wellbeing, experience of teaching internationally, Be You resources and studies and multiple practical strategies to promote mental health and wellbeing in early childhood settings. 

Kathryn Foley is kindergarten teacher at Nyah West Kindergarten, where she has taught for 35 years. In this episode, Alex and Sophie speak with Kathryn about making every moment matter in early childhood, being brave in trying new things, what it means to be 'school ready', inquiry based projects, coaching in early childhood spaces and so much more! 

In this episode Crystal and Alex speak to Shine Bright Maiden Gully Early Years Hub manager Belinda Quinn. This conversation covers Belinda's career journey, balancing the demands of leadership, the experience of establishing a brand new early learning centre and all she has learnt along the way. Belinda shares with us the details of an exciting research project she is currently undertaking with La Trobe University, around theory of practice architectures and influences that affect, create and contain everything we do in early childhood education and in leadership. 

In this episode, Crystal and Sophie are in conversation with Amelia Johnson. Amelia Johnson is a social worker, art therapist and PhD student. She is also a proud mother of 3 adult children, a daughter, sister, niece, aunty, friend and lover of making, creating and enjoying the simple things. She began her career in family support and co-ordinating mentor programs. While her family was young, she focussed on managing family businesses. She has worked in the education sector for 15 years, joining the early years in 2021. Her current PhD topic is exploring how arts-based practices enhance Reflective Practice in the early years. Amelia works for Shine Bright as a social worker/art therapist delivering reflective practice, proactive wellbeing support, trauma informed practice and many other programs to our services across regions. 

In this episode, Alex, Crystal and Sophie explore their respective backgrounds in early childhood education, what this podcast series is all about, and explain The Shine Bright Way as an organisational philosophy. Are you an early childhood educator or looking to join the profession? This is a podcast for you! The Shine On Podcast will be covering a range of topics and speaking with various professionals, anyone in the early childhood sector will gain inspiration and knowledge from this podcast series. For an overview of The Shine Bright Way, please see this link: The Shine Bright Way overview.pdf

Have you ever thought about establishing a bush kinder program? In this episode, Alex and Sophie are in conversation with Nicole Howie. We explore what bush kinder looks like at Shine Bright Huntly Kindergarten, the incredible benefits and learning outcomes for children,  and the challenges that arise from time to time. With some beautiful anecdotes along the way, this episode will make you want to drop everything and go to breathe in that fresh bush air. Nicole Howie is an educator who has been working in early childhood for 9 years and been involved in bush kinder programs at two centres.  Her background is in primary teaching and she has always had a passion for the environment.  She finds joy in connecting children to nature in her work and personal life.